EP0904202B1 - Equipment for remote signing and writing - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for remote signature and writing, allowing to consult, read, complete, annotate and / or sign documents at distance.

Currently the people reading, complete and / or sign documents are required to be physically present at the place of writing, editing and / or processing these documents, or to do so by exchange of letters or faxes, the latter possibility requiring time (case of mail) or not providing sufficient security as to the signature (case of fax).

The present invention aims to remedy the constraint of a physical presence of the person concerned, and to the disadvantages of mail and fax, by providing a device for read, write, sign and analogs from a distance, with maximum security and flexibility.

To this end, the invention essentially has for object a device for remote signature and writing, comprising a terminal provided with a screen and a keyboard, and an apparatus comprising at least one internal circuit of documents on which a print head is arranged and an optical reading head, associated to intervene on the same document being processed, at least one tray for supplying documents to the above circuit read or treat, and means of training documents on said circuit in the direction of advance and recoil, the optical reading head allowing gradually transmit the image of a document on the terminal screen, located at a distance from the device, while the keyboard of this terminal allows you to control distance moving a document forward or backward in the machine, as well that writing signs and / or a signature on the document by the print head of this machine.

The apparatus of the device of the invention has thus a bin for the storage and feeding of "original" documents, on the actual place of existence of these documents, the documents deposited in the tray being awaiting reading and processing, these documents to be prepared on site for a remote operator. The remote terminal, which can be a computer, a computer terminal, a "minitel" or any combination of screen and keyboard (even a telephone fixed or mobile with display capable of responding to this definition), is connected to the device by a line of remote transmission, such as a telephone line, and allows remote control of the functions of this apparatus.

Thus, the reading of a document is triggered by typing an instruction on the terminal keyboard preferably accompanied by a personalized code ensuring the discretion of the transmission. The read head optical reads the document in progress, including the image thus read is sent to the screen of the terminal; by typing a key on the keyboard, the remote operator of the device controls the advance progressive document, for synchronized reading with this advance, and / or causes a storage of the document in a memory of the terminal, for delayed reading. Stopping the advancement of the document, a stop ordered by the keyboard, or point programming or preset stop on a given page, allow positioning print head, for typing or printing indication at any places or in areas predetermined. Moving the document in motion backward, in particular a return to a predefined line, can also be controlled by the keyboard. This keyboard also allows you to control the ejection of a document, at the end treatment.

Regarding the optical read heads and printing, an advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that these are combined in a single mixed reading and printing head.

The physical offset between the reading point and the printing point, especially in the case where the head of optical reading and the print head remain separate, is a device parameter. A circuit electronic or control logic restores the correspondence between reading and writing, taking account for this known offset, either by an offset transmission and display correspondent the image of the document on the terminal screen, either by a physical displacement, possibly backwards, of the document and / or headers.

Regarding the writing functions and more particularly remote signing, the following provisions are advantageously provided:

An automatic stop of the document in progress processing is planned before the end of the scrolling of each physical page, and allows you to decide whether the printing of the signature or initialing must be done, or if the page must be ejected without signature or other impression.

In the event of a signing decision, the typing of keys on the keyboard of the remote terminal triggers the printing of a set of signs constituting Signature.

Typing characters on the terminal keyboard also allows the printing of various texts, such as mentions to complete a form or annotations, on the document being processed, with or without signature.

The diagram of the signature transmitted from remote terminal can be previously stored either in this terminal, if it is a terminal assigned to only one nobody, either on a magnetic card or on any transportable storage medium, in the case of a terminal that can be used by several people, the terminal being in this case equipped for reading such a card or such support.

In order to secure this signature, various procedures can be used, alone or in combination combination: entering a confidential control code at keyboard, or transmission of the associated date and time to that of the signature, with printing on the document of these indications associated with that of the signature, or printing of a time-varying control code, calculated for example by combination between a key personalized and date (expressed in days, hours, minutes and possibly seconds) of the signature, this which allows control in the event of a dispute.

In the case of a magnetic card, this one by itself constitutes additional security for the side of the signature, if the terminal allows the use of such a card.

The graphic signature is not absolutely necessary, if the printed codes are impossible to reconstitute by a malicious third party, and are likely to be checked later. The name in clear of the person, and the associated code (s), could logically suffice. However, the signature graphic could be kept, to satisfy legal requirements or to comply with usage.

In the case of non-personalized terminals, the signature scheme can be stored in the device subject of the invention, and extracted using the personal code of the user, especially if it is a device assigned to one person. In this case, the diagram of the signature may be initially entered using the optical reading head of the device.

Typing the eject command advances the document until it leaves the machine, and allows the read head to read the mentions (signature or others) printed by the head printing; the result of this reading is transmitted to terminal screen, allowing the remote user to verify the proper execution of the operation and, in particular, to control the affixing of his signature.

Printing an operation report can also be considered, as a check and as proof.

The device which is the subject of the invention can be used in combination with a computer server intermediate, provided on the transmission line between this device and the remote terminal, this also in order to increase security in allowing authentication.

In the same vein, a transmission encrypted is also possible, especially in the case a remote transmission over a network that can carry a risk of "hacking".

La figure 1 est une vue de côté, schématique, d'un appareil conforme à la présente invention associé à un terminal distant ;

Les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues partielles, illustrant deux variantes de cet appareil ;

Les figures 4, 5 et 6 sont des vues de côté, très schématiques, d'appareils selon l'invention adaptés pour constituer aussi des télécopieurs ;

La figure 7 représente, sous forme d'organigramme, le détail des circuits électroniques internes de l'appareil.

The invention will in any case be better understood with the aid of the following description of an embodiment and of various variants of this device for remote signature and writing, with reference to the appended drawing:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an apparatus according to the present invention associated with a remote terminal;

Figures 2 and 3 are partial views, illustrating two variants of this device;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are side views, very schematic, of apparatus according to the invention adapted to also constitute fax machines;

FIG. 7 represents, in the form of a flowchart, the detail of the internal electronic circuits of the apparatus.

The device for remote signature and writing, shown fully in Figure 1 and designated overall by the reference 1, includes a housing 2 in the upper part of which a feed tank is provided 3. Original documents to be processed are deposited and put waiting in the feed tray 3.

The device 1 has an internal circuit 4 of documents, starting from feeder 3 and ending to an outlet provided with a receiving tray 5. On the internal circuit 4 are arranged motorized members 6 document drive, in the direction of advance (arrow F1) and backward (arrow F2). A read head optic 7, and a print head 8, are arranged on the internal circuit 4 of the documents, the read head 7 being located downstream of the print head 8 in the example of figure 1.

The read head 7 and the print head 8 are connected, inside the housing 2 of the device 1, to electronic circuits 9 of type similar to those fax machines.

A display and control terminal 10, provided with a screen 11 and a keyboard 12, and located at distance from device 1, is connected to it by a remote transmission line 13.

The read head 7 allows optical reading progressive of a document being processed, traversing circuit 4 while being driven forward, and possibly behind, by the drive members 6. The image of the document is sent, via line 13, to terminal 10 where it is displayed on screen 11. The head 8 allows printing on the same document being scrolled, various inscriptions and including a signature, triggered by action on the keyboard 12 of terminal 10. At the end of processing, the signed or unsigned document is ejected into the reception tray 5, where it can be recovered for further processing or its archiving.

Figures 2 and 3 show two variants of positioning of the read and print heads. In in the case of FIG. 2, the optical read head 7 is located upstream of the print head 8, on the circuit internal 4 documents. In the case of Figure 3, the read head 7 and print head 8 are located at the same point in circuit 4, and are notably united under the shape of a mixed reading and printing head.

The device 1 previously described, used in association with terminal 10 which allows its control by a person located at a distance, allows reading, consultation, signature, initialing, filling or the remote annotation of documents of all kinds. This device particularly allows managers companies and other managers to consult letters and documents and sign them in safely when they are far from their office, for example on the move or at home. The invention also allows individuals, customers, guaranteed ... to transmit remotely, without having to travel, a signature for an organization, a administration, a company, a bank, ... particular, the proposed system allows to fill at distance from administrative forms. The use of this system can be occasional as well (for example: signature and initialing of a contract) that systematic, as part of a professional activity of "telework".

The device 1 previously described can also be used, in association with a remote terminal 10, only for reading or consulting documents, by viewing on screen 11 of the terminal 10, without signature issue.

When this device 1 is assigned to only one person, the latter can freely choose the moment of the operation on documents waiting in the tray power supply 3, which provides great flexibility of use.

The device 1 can also include functions and additional uses.

Thus, its printing mechanism can include means for projecting or depositing white ink on the document being processed, to erase some signs, allowing the user to perform remote corrections to this document.

Thanks to its optical read head 7 and its head 8, device 1 can also be used for scanner and / or printer, in connection with a computer installed in the same place or remotely.

Finally, the basic constitution of this device 1 allows you to easily complete it to get a combined device, also performing the function of a ordinary fax machine or an advanced fax machine, with optical proofreading of documents actually received and printed and retransmission of these documents, such as reread, to the device sending the original document, to title of acknowledgment of receipt. For this purpose, the device is advantageously completed by a second bin upper feed, and / or by an internal tank lower, storing the blank paper needed to printing of documents to be received by fax. Of examples of such a combined device are illustrated very schematically in Figures 4, 5 and 6.

Figure 4 thus shows an apparatus 1 with head reading 7 and printing head 8 separate, the box 2 contains, in its lower part, a tray 14 containing a supply of blank sheets. A circuit of auxiliary internal paper 15, starting from tray 14, is connects to main circuit 4 upstream of the reading 7 and printing 8.

Figure 5 shows another apparatus 1 provided with a second upper feed tray 16, receiving the blank paper, while input tray 3 is receiving, depending on the use of the device 1, the documents to process by this device in the way previously described, or original documents to be issued by fax, the latter documents being read by the head of reading 7.

FIG. 6 shows yet another device 1, deriving from the previous one, in which the read heads 7 and print 8 are joined in the form of a head mixed, and in which an additional read head 17 is arranged upstream of this mixed head, on the circuit of documents to be processed by device 1 and original documents to be faxed.

As suggested in Figures 5 and 6 (see dotted lines), a lower internal tray 14 for blank sheets can be added on these appliances.

The previously described provisions contribute the versatility of the device 1.

In addition, Figure 7 gives, in the form flowchart, a representation of the circuits electronics 9 of device 1, performing the functions described above.

Claims (11)

1. Device for reading, signing and writing documents at a distance, having a terminal (10) provided with a screen (11) and a keyboard (12), and an apparatus (1) comprising at least one internal document circuit (4) on which there are disposed a print head (8) and an optical reading head (7), associated in order to act on the same document during processing, at least one tray (3) for supplying the aforementioned circuit (4) with documents to be read or processed, and means (6) of driving the documents on the said circuit (4) in the forward (F1) and backward (F2) direction, the optical reading head (7) making it possible to progressively transmit the image from a document onto the screen (11) of the terminal (10), situated at a distance from the apparatus (1), whilst the keyboard (12) of this terminal (10) makes it possible to control, at a distance, the forward or backward movement of a document in the apparatus (1), as well as the writing of marks and/or a signature on the document by means of the print head (8) of this apparatus (1).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the apparatus (1) has, at the exit from its internal document circuit (4), a reception tray (5), the ejection of a document at the end of processing being controlled by the keyboard (12) of the terminal (10),
3. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the optical reading head (7) and print head (8) of the apparatus (1) are combined in a single mixed reading and print head.
4. Device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the optical reading head (7) and the print head (8) of the apparatus (1) are separate, the electronic circuits (9) of the apparatus (1) being designed to compensate for the physical offset between the reading point and the printing point either by a corresponding offset in the transmission and display of the image from the document on the screen (11) of the terminal (10), or by a movement of the document and/or the heads (7, 8).
5. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it is designed to comply with programmed or preset stop points during the forward movement of a document, in addition to the movement controlled by the keyboard (11) of the terminal (10).
6. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it is designed for the writing of a signature accompanied by a check code, such as a confidential code entered on the keyboard (11) of the terminal (10) and/or a code calculated according to the date and time of the signature.
7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it is designed for the writing of a signature whose outline is stored in the terminal (10).
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it is designed for the writing of a signature whose outline is stored on a magnetic card or other transportable storage medium, the terminal (10) being equipped for the reading of such a card or such a medium.
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it is used in association with an intermediate server, placed between the apparatus (1) and the terminal (10).
10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9,
    characterised in that the apparatus (1) is designed also to be able to be used as a scanner and/or as a printer, by virtue of its optical reading head (7) and its print head (8), in conjunction with a computer.
11. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10,
    characterised in that the apparatus (1) is designed so as to be able to be used also as a facsimile machine, notably with an additional supply (14; 16) of blank paper.

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